Blessings

I have so much to be grateful for.

4 years with Cori We celebrated our 4th anniversary this last week. Nothing fancy. At all. But a perfect embodiment of our lives together right now. We were staying at our District President's house in Traverse City for a few days. Cori had a conference for work to attend in the area, and we making final preparations for an event we were a part of on Saturday. Cori had picked up some orange, passion, mango Italian Soda at Target. Once the kids were asleep (not the easiest task in a new place) and I had made my lists for the next day and checked them twice, we had a little toast. I love serving with him. I love parenting with him. I love being married to him. I love how we are living our life. I'm such the lucky girl.

The start of something great. My mom took this picture just a couple of months after we started dating. We were at a Shakespeare performance at Lake Tahoe. Oh, and don't be jealous. I'll pay for that tan in melanoma later.

Success on Saturday Some time ago, Cori and I were called to advise a young single adult committee that was organizing a huge event that would host all the young single adults in our mission. Our guidelines--a day of fun, and a budget of $x. It was a bit daunting. After months of planning, meetings, errands, and advertising the day was upon us this weekend. We hosted a Summer Olympics (of silly, not-so-serious games). We had so much fun and were completely exhausted on our way home last night. It was very rewarding to work with the committee. Though I enjoyed it, I'm glad to have the day behind us.

Friends who reach out This week I received a postcard from a friend on the other side of the globe, and a phone call from a friend on the other side of the country. Friends are never really that far away.


Today, I am especially grateful for:

My Mom who continues to shape my life in so many ways. The very sound of her voice calms me down in troubled times. In my conversations with her, I never cry alone and I never go without laughter. She is to me a cherished mentor and friend.

My other mothers There are several wonderful women who have mothered me throughout my life. Their stories inspire me. Their examples motivate me. Their loving service has made me a better person. I am a little link in a great chain of amazing women.

Cori who treats me like a queen, especially on Mother's day.

My babies who give great meaning to every day of my life.

A wonderful Sabbath We slept in this morning. Cori didn't have any early meetings and was able to help me with Church prep. What a treat! Wonderful, encouraging words were spoken throughout talks and lessons. Grant slept through half of Relief Society, a miracle that rarely happens. We took a family nap after church. And Cori has made my life so easy this afternoon.